One of the more entertaining aspects of the culture of the Sunshine Coast (the southern area of the Sugar Coast) is the desire of inland towns like Bli Bli, Yandina and Nambour to compete with the coastal resorts. In the absence of good beaches they have all built highly unusual tourist attractions.
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Yandina which is located 115 km north of Brisbane and only 9 km north of Nambour, for example, is a perfectly attractive little town with a delightful and unspoiled old pub. Weekly markets are held on Saturdays from 7.00 a.m. to midday.
Things to see
ACMA Hall of Fame and Country Music Festival
Located in Steggal Rd, the Hall of Fame The Hall of Fame is the focal point of an annual Country Music Festival which is held each year in October.
The Ginger Factory
On one level the fact that the factory produces the bulk of the world's ginger for confectionery is interesting and it is quite informative to stand on the observation platform at the factory and watch the processes involved in producing ginger. But, unhappy with such simplicity, the owners have created a total (and award-winning) tourist experience you can go on the 'Historic Cane Train' which furnishes commentary as it travels through rainforest and landscaped gardens, visit Gingertown, a heritage style village with an extensive range of gifts and cuisine, investigate the Ginger Nursery, where you can buy a ginger plant, enjoy an ice-cream at Zingi's or inspect the Ginger Shop where you can buy ginger in every possible shape, size and packaging. Also within the complex are Granny's Macadamia Kitchen (tel: 07 5446 8455) and Koala Kottage, tel: (07) 5446 8687. The entire operation is located at 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina and is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. every day except Christmas Day. The great joy of The Ginger Factory is that it is free. You do have to pay for train rides but the rest of the complex is there for everyone to explore. For more information contact (07) 5446 7100 or http://www.buderimginger.com
Nutworks
Also in Pioneer Rd is Nutworks. This macadamia processing complex has an information centre, from whence visitors can view the facctory process, a related video to watch, a gift shop selling souvenirs, and a retail shop selling nuts and nut-related products, such as cosmetics and creams, tel: (07) 5472 7777 or check out:http://www.nutworks.com.au/
Eumundi
Located 10 km north of Yandina, Eumundi is a small town which began to develop in the early 20th century. It boasts a popular and substantial village market, with about 200 handicraft stalls, held on Saturdays in front of the railway station from 6.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Opposite the market is the Imperial Hotel, which dates from 1911. While the market is on there are glass-blowing demonstrations and rustic furniture at the back of the hotel.
There is a collectibles market each week on both Saturday and Sunday from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., at the Old Butter Factory, 124 Memorial Drive. In addition, there is a Wednesday Country Fair 'Upmarket Market', with pioneer themed stalls, in the heart of town from 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
The Eumundi Museum is located at 73 Memorial Drive and the Liquid Glass Gallery, at the corner of Memorial and Etheridge Streets, offers glass-blown gifts, daily demonstrations and classes, tel: (07) 5442 8835 or glassart@salton.info.
Eumundi also has its own small brewery and a winery.
